Tessenie Mowatt

Love Yourself Cool for the Summer Life, Love & Fall Tis' The Season

2015: Year in Review Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

2015: Year in Review This is my way of sharing some of the amazing things I did this year with you. This year, I had the chance to work with some inspiring people at different fashion shows, photoshoots and events. I also travelled to some new locations (one of the best aspects of modelling). Among other fashion shows, I participated in the Fashionlink VI weekend in the US Virgin Islands and had the chance to attend the Life of a Working Model Bootcamp in New York. I also share some of the thoughts that came to me while working on this project. The inspiration to do this came from an episode of 'Model Behavior' with Sharon Quinn when she featured Plus Model Magazine Editor Madeline Jones who spoke about using different (free) resources that are available. I am happy with the finished product and I hope you enjoy it too. I just might do this every year! :)

This journey to becoming a successful plus size model can be challenging at times however, when I look at how much I have achieved, the inspiration and support that surrounds me- it only motivates me to do more!

See you in 2016! 2

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Photography: Rebecca Northco Makeup: Nichole Lukasik Dress: Gigi Jorie Shoes: Call it Spring Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Love Yourself

Being comfortable in my own skin came over time but the journey to self love comes with different emotions, a sense of freedom, confidence and love and acceptance for the people you meet. Some days will be better than others. However the more time you invest into taking care of your body, mind and heart- the easier the journey gets. I believe that every body is sexy and it is up to us to own that. It is no longer acceptable to cast blame on society because self-love and acceptance has to come from within. When you love yourself, everything seems to get easier and much clearer. You make decisions from a place of security and you accept whatever the consequences may be. You treat others with compassion and patience and have a genuine love for seeing others do well. 4 Choosing to love myself has been one of the most empowering decisions I have made in my life. Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Photography: Samantha Kidd Makeup: Katie Marie Bodysuit: Ashley Graham for Addition Elle Hoisery: Addition Elle Shoes: Guess Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Photography: Samantha Kidd Makeup: Katie Marie Bodysuit: Ashley Graham for Addition Elle 6

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Photography: Samantha Kidd Makeup: Katie Marie Bodysuit: Ashley Graham for Addition Elle 8 Hoisery: Addition Elle Accessories: Aldo Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

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Cool For The Summer

This summer I participated in the Toronto Caribana Carnival with fellow plus size models and bloggers, travelled to the USVI for the first time, won an award and worked with indie designer Gigi Jorie. I felt empowered when I saw plus size women being more confident and comfortable with their bodies. What seemed to be one of the most dreaded seasons of the year, saw plus size women in crop tops, swimsuits and colourful costumes. We had fun, enjoyed the warm weather, as we should, and showed off our confidence.

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What's wrong with being confident?

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Photography: Rebecca Northco Makeup: Nikki Wood Swimsuit: Gigi Jorie Sundress: Gigi Jorie 12 Shoes: Steve Madden Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

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B C LACK

ANADIAN

WARDS

In June, I was honored to receive an award from The Diversity Advancement Network as one of 100 Black Canadian Role Models. The award was given to men and women who, through their efforts and contribution in different areas, have made positive changes in their community. I was awarded for my contribution to the body positivity movement within the fashion community and for my work with immigrants on the Cosmopolis Toronto project.

Outfit: Stephanie Owusu Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Investing inYour Craft In any journey to success, investing time and money can be very crucial to the process. Fortunately, there are so many persons who are willing to pass on their knowledge which can be a great deal of help in this industry. My friend Sarah from Sarah Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey and I attended the Life of a Working Model Bootcamp in NYC in August! We had the chance to learn from Liris Crosse, an industry pioneer as well as other masters of their craft. Some of whom included: stylist-Steffy Allen, plus size model-Christina Mendez, photographer-Rick Jones and celebrity makeup artist and one of my favorites-Christopher Michael. We learned alot about the 'ins' and 'outs' of the industry, the path we needed to take to be successful, the importance of investing in our career and, the best part is, we made some great connections. There is no denying the energetic vibe that comes with being in NYC. It is always an exciting 16

time.....

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(From left to right): Plus Model Tiffany Bank, Director of Miss New York Plus America Emicia Yvette, Plus Model and Owner of Plus Model Network Joy Ashley, Celebrity Makeup Artist Christopher Michael, Acting Coach Wendy McKenzie, Plus Model Liris Crosse, Stylist Steffany Allen,Plus Model Christina Mendez, Plus Model Nicole Zepeda, Photographer Rick D. Jones

(From left to right): Sarah, Liris, Tessenie

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Life, Love.... & Fall Fall is one of my favorite seasons because it signifies preparation for change. With change, comes an opportunity to improve. I see Fall as the season when Mother Nature prepares herself for new beginnings but in the most modest and beautiful way. Similarly, we can use lessons from past experiences to shape our decisions for future aspirations. Whenever I have a shoot, I practice in the mirror, study photos from previous shoots to learn my best angles and seek inspiration from the seasonal campaigns of my favorite plus size designers and retailers. I even ask my friends to do 'practice shoots' with me using my iPhone and then we critique the pictures. After doing my 'homework' I find that every time I get in front of a camera, I feel more confident which translates on film. With this shoot I wanted to include the beauty of my natural surroundings with fall-inspired outfits. It was so windy that day but I made it work in my favor for motion shots. In life and love, you have to challenge yourself; only then will 18 you realize your true potential. Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Photography: Rebecca Northco Makeup: Nichole Lukasik T-Shirt: Old Navy Hoisery: Old Navy Skirt: Stephanie Owusu 19 Shoes: Guess Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

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Photography: Rebecca Northco Makeup: Nichole Lukasik Plaid Shirt: Forever 21 Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 Stripe Dress: HM Moto Jacket: Forever 21 Scarf: Charlo e Russe Shoes: Guess Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Tis' THE SEASON!! ...dance like no one is watching...

Photography: Rebecca Northco Makeup: Nichole Lukasik Dress: Gigi Jorie 22 Shoes: Call it Spring Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

It's the season for celebration. I celebrate life, family, friends and my birthday! It's a time when I reflect on the year that has passed, revaluate my goals and set new ones for the coming year. I am already excited for the next chapter of my life and being a New Year's Eve baby, I literally get to start a new year. I hope to continue learning and enjoying this journey. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such positive people who inspire and challenge me. Pro o f C o py: No t o ptimiz e d f o r high quality printing o r digital distributio n

Thank you for your support! Stay connected: Facebook: Tessenie Mowatt Instagram: @tesseniemowatt Twitter: @tesseniemowatt Email: tesseniem@gmail.com

Best Wishes For 2016

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